Southern-Style Creamed Corn Recipe: Creamy, Comforting Side Dish

Creamy, buttery, and gently sweet, this easy Southern-style Creamed Corn is a simple stovetop dish that comes together in about 20 minutes. Cozy enough for holiday dinners yet quick enough for weeknight meals.

Easy Southern-Style Creamed Corn

Why You’ll Love this Creamed Corn:

  • Savory and creamy with a touch of sweetness.
  • Fast and simple to make using common pantry ingredients.
  • Classic Southern comfort. This is the kind of recipe families pass down and serve year after year.
corn and onions for creamed corn

Key Ingredients:

  • Corn kernels: fresh, frozen, or canned all work well.
  • Garlic & onions: sautéed in butter for depth and texture.
  • All-purpose flour: a small amount to gently thicken the sauce.
  • Whole milk & heavy cream: create the rich, creamy base.
  • Sugar & honey: add a subtle sweetness that complements the corn.
  • Nutmeg: a pinch brightens and deepens the flavor.
corn and onions in cream

Dietary Swaps:

  • Gluten-free: replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Dairy-free: use dairy-free butter and replace milk/cream with oat or full-fat coconut milk.
  • Vegan: follow dairy-free swaps and replace honey with maple or agave syrup.
homemade creamed corn
southern cream corn from scratch

Tips:

  • Blend part of the corn: pureeing a cup of the mixture gives a silky texture without extra cream or flour.
  • Fresh corn: cut from the cob may need a few extra minutes to soften—cook until tender.
  • Boost the flavor: stir in cooked bacon, fresh herbs like thyme or chives, or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream if it thickens too much.
southern creamed corn

More Southern-Style Recipes You Will Love:

  • (The Best) Slow Cooker Chili
  • Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops
  • Chicken Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
  • Bacon Pimento Cheese Sandwich
  • Classic Cheesy Tuna Casserole with Green Beans
  • Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Style)

Recipe

southern style creamed corn

Easy Southern-Style Creamed Corn

Creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet, this Southern-style creamed corn is a quick stovetop side ready in about 20 minutes.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southern American
Servings 6
Calories 188 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cups corn kernels (frozen thawed or canned, drained)
  • 1–2 large garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoon honey
  • Pinch ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat; it should be foamy but not browned.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring often, about 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in the garlic and corn kernels, cooking 2 minutes so the flavors combine and the corn warms through.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to coat the corn and onions; this will help thicken the sauce.
  5. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to prevent lumps, then add the heavy cream and stir until smooth.
  6. Remove about 1 cup of the mixture and blend until smooth, then return it to the skillet and stir to combine.
  7. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, 3–5 minutes until the creamed corn reaches your preferred thickness.
  8. Remove from heat, stir in the honey and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or honey if desired.

Notes

  • Blending part of the corn gives a creamy texture without relying on extra cream or flour.
  • Fresh corn from the cob may need a few extra minutes to soften; cook until tender.
  • Leftovers: keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Nutritional information is an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 188 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19.6 g
Protein: 3.6 g
Fat: 11.5 g (Saturated: 6.9 g)
Cholesterol: 34.7 mg
Sodium: 25.1 mg
Fiber: 1.6 g
Sugar: 8.9 g
Keyword creamed corn
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